This gorgeous Cushman Step-Through scooter is a claimed California barn find that the seller will not have time to restore. Frankly, it looks too nice to do anything other than refresh the mechanicals and enjoy. The price is strong, but the condition may warrant it. Find it here on craigslist with an asking price of $4K and located in Michigan. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Roger for the find.
The beautiful styling is prettier than any other Cushman I can remember, and that includes the Barn Finds Exclusive listing we’ve just lowered the price on. The body sports no signs of major cosmetic damage and even the upholstered seat still presents well. You can just barely make out the original lettering on the side of the rear quarters, too.
The engine tag seems way too fresh to be attached to the original motor, but the overall condition is so robust, it may well be. The seller has not tried to start the engine or done any work on it. Displacement is limited, as you might expect, but this Series 50 Step-Through deserves to live in a beach or island community where commercial traffic is limited.
With the drivetrain exposed, this Cushman almost becomes even more attractive, like an exposed race car chassis as you realize how nicely everything comes together. The wheels and tires look surprisingly fresh, and it would make sense if those components have been replaced. This Cushman deserves a quick once-over and then be enjoyed – anyone agree?
Super nice. Always my dream a few. Years back give or take a few.
one comment: after working on Cushman engines since the 1960s, I’ve learned the most important thing to do before running the engine, remove the engine from scooter, drain the oil, invert the engine, remove crank-case cover (on this two piece block just remove the four bolts that hold the crank case to the block,) inspect the inside, carefully remove all the sludge that has accumulated over the years, test the oil ‘squirter’ (sometimes called an oil pump), they often don’t squirt and must be rebuilt. check the rod bearing inserts with plasti-gauge (top half and bottom half), replace inserts with undersize if needed then test the end play and if play found, shim the side cover with proper number & thickness of shims to remove the play. Try to avoid the temptation to just run the engine if you can start it, they could be bad things waiting inside and you can cause bad damage.
No doubt, what a great find! I always wanted to collect scooters, but just never jumped into it! The Cushman Eagle is the one I desperately want! If any of you find one I guarantee it’s sold! :-)
Good thing this old red scooter has a hand operated Klaxton horn mounted to the handlebar. You will surely need it since stopping power with the rear brake is woefully inadequate. Adding a front brake is certainly a must do if you plan to ride this Cushman. I installed a disc brake on mine, what a difference. BTW, I think the asking price should be no more than $2K
Not that I know it all – but Greg I believe is correct….the price on these scooters – like the little “Mustang” are coming down. Hard to believe this was stored away and not ride’n or is it an older resto….seat should still show some age ?
Hey…spell police….my first grade teacher couldn’t spell my name right – so go figure !
When I was a kid back home in Chicago-the mid 1950’s, there were a lot of these Cushman step -throughs on the streets. Every once in a while you would see somebody fall off of one, usually when they were turning.
Amusing data plate for the motor – with oil recommendations for temperatures below 32 degrees! Yeah, how many people rode these in such temperatures anyway??